The Uttar Pradesh government has announced its support for Atul Kumar, a Dalit student from Muzaffarnagar, to secure his admission at IIT Dhanbad. The state’s Social Welfare Department will cover the full cost of his education through a scholarship, ensuring Atul’s educational journey continues uninterrupted.
Atul, who hails from a modest family in Titoda village, Khatauli tehsil, had excelled in the IIT JEE exam, earning a seat in the Electronics Engineering branch at IIT Dhanbad. However, due to his family’s financial limitations, his admission was jeopardized as they were unable to pay the required fees by the June 24 deadline. Atul’s father, Rajendra Kumar, is a daily wage laborer, making the fee unaffordable for the family.
After exhausting all other avenues, the family approached the Supreme Court, which led to the matter being brought to the attention of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Upon learning of Atul’s situation, the chief minister directed immediate action to ensure that all possible assistance would be provided to the student.
The Social Welfare Minister, Asim Arun, personally contacted Atul’s family to assure them that the government would cover the cost of his education. In addition to securing his immediate admission, the state has committed to funding Atul’s entire four-year program at IIT Dhanbad.
This intervention showcases the Uttar Pradesh government’s commitment to supporting students from underprivileged backgrounds, ensuring that financial difficulties do not stand in the way of academic achievement. The Social Welfare Department has already initiated contact with IIT Dhanbad to expedite the completion of Atul’s admission process.
Atul’s story serves as a beacon of hope for many students facing similar challenges, reinforcing the message that with government support, dreams of higher education can become a reality, regardless of socio-economic background.